UAlbany will take a trip to Canada

Every four years, the NCAA allows college basketball teams to take an international trip. The University at Albany, which went to Barbados four years ago, will be taking a 10-day trip to Canada in August.

Coach Will Brown said Monday that the Danes will play five games against Canadien universities in Montreal and Ottawa.

The Danes will be allowed to practice from Aug. 10-17 before leaving on the 18th. The team is scheduled to return on Aug. 26th.

“This is an affordable trip for us,” Brown said. “This gives us a chance to get started early and it gets the team around each other and competing in game situations. The kids also get a chance to interact with the coaching staff.”

Brown said that sophomore Luke Devlin underwent successful back surgery at home in Australia; sophomore John Puk is still in a boot because of foot problems last year and junior Logan Aronhalt is having an issue with his toe. It’s still way too early to determine if they will be ready to play in Canada.

All six of the Danes incoming players — 6-foot-4 guard Tanner Gibson, 6-4 guard Jayson Guerrier, 6-5 guard Chris Page, 6-6 forward/guard Sam Rowley, 6-4 guard Peter Howley and 6-4 guard Gerardo Suero — will be eligible to play in Canada. That is, providing they complete summer school requirements (six credits if on campus, three credits if not on campus).